The I-Corps training is focused on helping early-stage teams who have a fundamental technology, engineering, or business model innovation learn how to search for a scalable business model through the Customer Discovery process.
There are two types of I-Corps training, both based on our National Faculty Director, Steve Blank’s Lean Startup methods.
The immersive short course, taught by UC Berkeley faculty, is a 1 week program where you’ll learn how to conduct interviews to gain customer feedback and define your customer segment. There is no cost to the course, and UC Berkeley postdocs who participate may be eligible for a $5,000 grant through PostX.
Short course teams must have between 2-4 members, and the technology must have a current or recent University or National lab connection.
After you complete the short course, you may be eligible to continue to the National I-Corps Program, a 7 week course that comes with a $50,000 customer discovery grant.
Immersive Short Course
7 DAYS
3hr sessions held Mon – Wed – Mon
15 customer interviews
Within a 1 week period
nationals
Upon completion and recommendation
APPLY for the next Immersive Short Course starting July 19, 2021 online via Zoom. Applications due July 2, 2021
Apply here
Please fill out the application in entirety. If you have any questions about the application, use the Contact Form at the bottom of the site.
2021 planned start dates:
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
| Jan 25 | Apr 12 | Jul 19 | Oct 4 |
| Feb 22 | May 10 | Aug 16 | Nov 1 |
| Mar 8 | Jun 14 | Sep 13 | Nov 29 |
Short Course Program Team Eligibility
2-4 people
Business and Technical Lead (Mentor optional)
20 – 40 hours
Commitment during program week
Attendance
Of all 3 sessions
Teams Must:
- Be open to learning through the Customer Discovery process
- Be willing to fail or succeed as a team.
- Have a high tolerance for uncertainty
- Able to describe the customer value proposition without revealing IP
National Course
(for current NSF grantees or Immersive Short Course completion + recommendation)
$ 50k Grant
Non dilutive grants for customer discover activities
Flexible Cohorts
Rotating App + courses around the year
Boot camps
3+2 days at beginning + end of course
Video Sessions
5 bi-weekly sessions between bootcamps
More info & schedule here: I-Corps Curriculum
Benefits of both courses include learning techniques for using Customer Discovery and the Customer Development process to rapidly evaluate the business potential of technologies and ideas. Teams should reach a go/no go decision by the end of either course. Course structures also facilitate personal connections to the faculty, mentors and other team members in the program.
Case Study
UCB PhD Eric Munsing shares his experience with NSF I-Corps training here.
